Racecourse's 'substantial' solar system completed

2 hours ago

News image — The racecourse says 1,200 panels have been installed on its grandstand roof

Ascot Racecourse A bird's eye view of Ascot Racecourse's Grandstand, with two long Union flags pitched at its entrance. — The racecourse says 1,200 panels have been installed on its grandstand roof

Ascot Racecourse says a solar installation built on its grandstand roof is one of the "most substantial" in UK sport.

It said all power generated by the solar panels will be used by the racecourse and it is expected to be the equivalent of about 9% of its annual electricity consumption.

The 1,200 solar panels are expected to generate 569,000 kWh of renewable electricity and save the equivalent of 118 tonnes of carbon dioxide in a year.

Felicity Barnard, the racecourse's chief executive, said the installation is a "significant milestone".

Getty Images A woman wearing an elaborate headdress with roses and other plants on it stood in front on a Union flag. — Royal Ascot is due to take place at the racecourse from 16 June

"By turning our Grandstand roof into a long-term energy asset, and bringing the system online later this year, we will be supporting both our environmental commitments and the future sustainability of the racecourse," she added.

The racecourse said its installation sits alongside the London Stadium and Manchester City's campus as one of the most substantial solar installations on sports venues in the country and makes it a "flagship within British horse racing".

The racecourse hosts the annual Royal Ascot race meeting which is due to start on 16 June.

Founded by Queen Anne in 1711, it is well known as a key social as well as sporting occasion.